A blog about why we're here.

Why? Blogiversary!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Happy 89th birthday to my Gramps who, bless his heart, has no idea what a blog is, but deserves all kinds of love from all corners.***

Three years ago today, I started Why CLE. I seriously cannot believe I’ve been scribbling on this little corner of the Internet for that long! I’ve said it before, but I honestly started this blog with no expectation of a readership beyond Matthew and Mom; no expectation of being able to meet so many amazing and passionate Clevelanders; no expectation of attending the fabulous events we’ve attended; no expectation of being even a small part of the dialogue about this wonderful city we all love.

This year, I find myself looking both retrospectively and prospectively. It’s been a great three years, shaped mostly by life and a little by the blog. I bought a house, got married, had a crisis of career, found a job I love, and am expecting a baby. That was all life. But I also look at the adventures that filled the gaps between the momentous things and know that a lot of those were occasioned by the blog.

And I look at the three women who are truly my sisters and am somewhat mystified to think I never would have met them if not for Why CLE.

Looking prospectively, I think of how my life will change in the coming months (not quite able to wrap my head around years yet). I know that my Cleveland experience will continue to be vibrant, as I discover new aspects and new ways to enjoy this town. While Cleveland is certainly evolving, so much of our lifelong experience with Cleveland involves our own lives changing and then us finding the places and things in Cleveland that have been there and now fit these changes.

Thank you all so much for the last three years: for the support, the friendship, and the listening ear. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

As a small token of my appreciation, I have a giveaway to let a reader enjoy one of my favorite neighborhoods in Cleveland: Gordon Square. The winner will receive $10 to Cleveland Cinemas’ Capitol Theatre, $30 to Spice Kitchen & Bar, and $20 to Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Treat Shop ($10 and $10 from Sweet Moses, who generously offered to match the gift). Here’s how to enter:

92 Responses

Happy Blogiversary! Not kidding – I just read this after reading two really sad blog posts and it was the piece of uplifting I needed for my morning. Glad you started blogging so that we could become friends!

Aww, congratulations! It’s amazing how much life can change in such a (seemingly) short amount of time. I love that blogging not only lets us record our lives, but also opens up so many opportunities I never knew could happen. I’m so glad you having a blog and me having a blog allowed us to connect 🙂